Huelskamp to Boehner: Give Me My Job Back

One of four Republican lawmakers ousted from several key committees by House Speaker John Boehner last week for allegedly not towing the party line is asking to be reinstated.

Kansas Rep. Tim Huelskamp, who was unceremoniously booted from the House Budget and Agriculture Committees, wrote in an icy letter to Boehner:
“It was no secret when I was assigned to these committees two years ago that I would hold Washington to a higher standard when it comes to getting our fiscal house in order and restoring government to its proper size and role.

“I followed through on those promises to Kansans and will not cave on the principles and values that my constituents and I share.”

Huelskamp, Michigan Rep. Justin Amash, and Arizona Rep. David Schweikert have asked Boehner for a written explanation of why they were banished. They also want to see any voting “scorecards’’ that may have factored in their ousters.

Huelskamp and Amash are losing their seats on the House Budget Committee chaired by Rep. Paul Ryan. Schweikert and North Carolina Rep. Walter are being removed from the House Financial Services Committee.

Huelskamp says his office has been “overwhelmed’’ by phone calls and emails of support.

Boehner is believed to have dumped the four after they snubbed party leaders by voting last year against the agreement to raise the federal debt ceiling.

A spokesman for Boehner has insisted the dismissals were “based on a range of factors.’’

When news of the oustings came last week, an angry Huelskamp said: “It confirms in my mind the deepest suspicions that Americans have about Washington D.C.: it’s petty, it’s vindictive, and if you have conservative principles you will be punished.’’